5 Super Athletes With Ties To Woodbury-Middlebury

Sports have a way of teaching invaluable life lessons — building character, fostering teamwork and strengthening the bonds within a community. In the Woodbury-Middlebury area, these values have shaped some truly remarkable athletes from different eras, whose accomplishments continue to inspire.

Patch has teamed up with T-Mobile to spotlight five standout athletes whose achievements have left a lasting mark on our community. While this list is just a snapshot, there are countless others who have helped shape the rich sports culture in our area.

1. Rico Brogna (Baseball)

A multi-sport phenom at Watertown High School, Rico Brogna excelled in football, basketball and baseball, eventually choosing baseball as his professional path. Drafted by the Detroit Tigers in the first round of the 1988 MLB draft, Brogna went on to play nine seasons in the majors with teams like the Mets and Phillies, earning accolades for his fielding and hitting despite battling spinal arthritis. A resident of Woodbury as of 2023, Brogna continues to influence the next generation as a coach and mentor.

2. Jess Savner (Pentathlete)

Modern Pentathlete Jess Savner has represented Connecticut on the world stage, including the 2024 Paris Olympics. Training across the state, she sharpens her equestrian skills in Woodbury while also mastering running, swimming, fencing and shooting. Savner, a Central Connecticut State University graduate and pole-vault record holder, credits her parents and equestrian roots for inspiring her Olympic journey.

3. Elias Field (Track & Field)

Woodbury native Elias Field began his running career at Nonnewaug High School, where he excelled in cross country and track, earning titles such as CIAC 2000m Steeplechase Champion and Berkshire League champion in the mile and 800m. Transitioning to collegiate competition at Central Connecticut State University, Field became a long-distance standout, achieving All-Northeast Conference honors and podium finishes in events like the 10,000-meter race.

4. Erica Schiffler Vance (Diving, Gymnastics)

Erica Schiffler Vance was a dual-sport star at Woodbury High School, netting her a spot in the Woodbury High School Hall of Fame. During her tenure at WHS, she earned All-State and All-American honors in diving and gymnastics and was a nine-time varsity letter winner. After captaining her teams to numerous championships, Schiffler Vance went on to compete at the collegiate level for the University of Minnesota and UNC.

5. Britta Sortland Ryan (Swimming)

Another Woodbury High School Hall of Fame inductee, Britta Sortland Ryan dominated the pool for Watertown High School. Sortland Ryan anchored her swim team to three consecutive section championships and earned seven All-America honors. Excelling in individual and relay events, she set multiple school records and placed in the top 10 at state meets across her career.

This content is brought to our community in partnership with T-Mobile.